At the most, 20 people have applied for the student representative position on the University Board of Trustees, compared to last year's hundred or more applicants, said Brian Donaldson, Board of Trustees representative for the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments.

"Twenty people to represent 60,000 isn't good enough," said Donaldson, who serves on the committee in the University Student Advisory Board responsible for narrowing down the applicants to about five for submission to the state secretary of education.

Donaldson said at last night's USAB meeting that he was appalled at the turnout, especially since 200 people took applications.

"I have reviewed the applications and I wasn't impressed," he said. "With 20 people it's difficult. The best I can say is there are a couple sophomores, juniors and seniors."

Because of the lack of applicants, USAB members decided to extend the deadline to March 23. Applications were due March 7.

USAB Vice President Ken Martin, also on the USAB committee, said he could not pinpoint the reason for the small number of returned applications.

It could be a variety of reasons, he said, including bad timing, people's view of the position or apathy. He added that twice he noticed that the suggestion box at the HUB desk, where applications are supposed to be returned, was not out.

Those applying can now hand in applications to the HUB suggestion box, CCSG, the Undergraduate Student Government or the Graduate Student Association, he said, adding USAB plans to advertise more for the position.

USAB members said they were disappointed about the number of applicants.

"It's unfortunate that those who took applications did not return them," said USG Vice President Bill Novick. "Quite often people complain how they are represented or how they're underrepresented. When there are opportunities for them, they don't act."

In response to a petition from students and several faculty and staff members, Vice President of Student Services William Asbury spoke to USAB members about the University's progress in establishing a child care program.

Martin said the petition urged administrators for an update on the child care issue.